Since Sunday morning, the Australian coach, Eddie Jones, has been embroiled in a controversy with journalists from his country claiming that he had a job interview to become Japan coach even while he was preparing for the World Cup in France with the Australia for whom he is under contract until 2027. During a remote press briefing the day after the debacle against the Welsh, the second row, injured in the calf and absent during the two Australian defeats against Fiji and the country of Wales, insisted on believing his coach who had affirmed the day before, to be “fully committed” as coach of Australia.
“I saw the press conference yesterday. I believe what he says, he is an honest man. The whole group supports him,” said the La Rochelle player, adding that Jones was still the man needed to turn around Australian rugby, which was in the doldrums. “He has a long-term vision and a desire to bring Australian rugby back to the forefront, that’s the positive thing. Just like his attitude towards the group. Skelton insisted. “He’s a fantastic coach with an incredible rugby IQ. Working with him means learning every day. It makes rugby simpler for us,” he added.
Hit in the calf during training before facing Fiji, Skelton is doubtful for Australia’s final match against Portugal on Sunday in Saint-Étienne. “I continue to work every day with the medical staff to get back on my feet. I’m not sure I’ll be back for the match, but we’ll do everything to ensure I can participate.”
Australia is not yet mathematically eliminated from the 2023 World Cup, but its chances of participating in the final stages are slim, having always qualified for the quarters during the nine previous editions. For her to extend her stay in France, she would have to beat Portugal with the offensive bonus and at the same time, Fiji take less than five points while they still have two matches to play against Georgia and Portugal, the two weakest teams in Group C.